What is a Complete Molar Pregnancy?

(July 22, 2010)

Complete Molar Pregnancy

Though a rare pregnancy complication, molar pregnancy can be dangerous. You are said to have a molar pregnancy when something abnormal happens during the fertilization process. Generally, you get 23 chromosomes from the father and 23 from the mother. In total, an individual gets 46 chromosomes. However, in case there are fewer or more than 46 chromosomes, the result will be a molar pregnancy. A partial molar pregnancy is the result of two or even three spermatozoa fertilizing a single egg which can lead to the total chromosome count rising to 69 and even 92.On the other hand, in a complete molar pregnancy, one or two sperm fertilize an empty egg which does not have a nucleus. In a complete molar pregnancy, therefore, there is no placental tissue, amniotic sac, or even an embryo. An ultrasound at this time will show a cyst-like structure that resembles a bunch of grapes.

Studies have shown that in western countries, one in every 1000 pregnancies turn out to be a molar pregnancy. The reason behind this pregnancy complication still remains a mystery. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this condition. A complete molar pregnancy is easily detectable by way of an ultrasound and a blood test. The hcg levels revealed in the blood test will confirm the condition.

Molar pregnancy Signs

There are several symptoms of molar pregnancy that you should be aware of so that you can recognize them immediately and bring it to your doctor’s attention.

•   Bleeding: Being one of the most important and initial signs, bleeding is common as far as any pregnancy complication is concerned. Please note that the bleeding can be either light or heavy. In the same way. It can also be intermittent or continuous and so you need to inform your doctor about any kind of bleeding.

•   Swelling: When you are suffering from a molar pregnancy, you may find that your abdomen seems to swell at an unusual rate and you can also suffer from vomiting or severe nausea.

•   Hcg Levels: A test to determine your Hcg levels also help in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. If you are suffering from a molar pregnancy, these levels will generally soar to an unusually high level which would be higher than the prescribed levels during a pregnancy.

Molar Pregnancy Treatment

Do not get disheartened if you are diagnosed with a molar pregnancy. It is difficult but you need to understand that since there is no embryo present, it is not a pregnancy in the true sense. Hence, your doctor may suggest that you undergo a minor surgery known as D&C, or Dilation and Curettage, where the interiors of your uterus are cleared and made ready for the next baby. In this process, unwanted tissues are removed. After this procedure, you may be asked to undergo a blood test in order to determine the hcg levels once more.

After having a molar pregnancy, it is important that you let your doctor know about your case history when you plan for a baby again, in order to make sure that the problem is not repeated.

Submitted by P T on July 22, 2010 at 12:53

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